The onset and progression of alcohol use disorders: A qualitative study from Goa, India

Abstract

Quantitative evidence about the burden of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) needs to be complemented with a nuanced qualitative understanding of explanatory models to help supplement public health strategies that are too often steeped uncritically in biomedical models. The aim of this study was to identify the role of various factors in the onset and persistence of AUD and recovery from AUD. This was a qualitative study nested in a population cohort from Goa, India. In-depth interviews of men with incident, recovered, and persistent AUD covered topics such as changes in drinking habits over time, perceptions and experiences about starting/stopping drinking, and so on. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Reasons to begin drinking included social drinking, functional use of alcohol, stress, and boredom. Progression to problematic drinking patterns was characterized by drinking alone, alternating between abstinent and heavy drinking periods, and drinking based on the availability of finances. Some enablers to reduce/stop drinking included consequences of drinking lifestyle and personal resolve; some barriers included availability of alcohol at social events and stress. Some reasons for persisting heavy use of alcohol included lack of family support, physical withdrawal symptoms, peer pressure, stress, and easy availability. This article offers a strong conceptualization and nuanced understanding of AUD across a spectrum of developmental courses. This adds to the limited literature on explanatory models of AUD in India and identifies potential targets for prevention and treatment strategies for AUD in low- and middle-income country settings.

Stigma associated with mental health problems among young people in India: a systematic review of magnitude, manifestations and recommendations

“…Our review includes studies on nomophobia, an emerging mental health issue, which is echoed by contextual studies that finding increasing rates of substance use and technology addiction among youth due to urbanization in India [ 101 ]. Other studies focused on measuring prevalence, progression perceived harms of various disorders and conditions, including depression, anxiety and stress, [ 102 , 103 ] alcohol use, [ 104 , 105 ] body image disorders [ 106 , 107 ] and aggression, bullying and violence, [ 108 ] and correlates such as parental pressure to perform academically, [ 109 , 110 ], relationships, negative peer pressure, school environment and gender roles [ 110 ]. [ 111 ].…”

Knowledge, attitude and practices pertaining to healthy lifestyle in prevention and control of chronic diseases: a rapid review

“…Consequences of drinking lifestyle and personal resolve were identified as facilitators to quit alcohol. 44 • Reasons to begin drinking include social drinking, functional use of alcohol, stress, and boredom. 44 • Proximity of alcohol outlets to schools, influence of media, family and peers, web series.…”

“…44 • Reasons to begin drinking include social drinking, functional use of alcohol, stress, and boredom. 44 • Proximity of alcohol outlets to schools, influence of media, family and peers, web series. 42 Continued.…”

“…Facilitator Barrier • Availability of alcohol at social events, stress, lack of family support, physical withdrawal symptoms, peer pressure. 44…”

'Tobacco and alcohol use are playing critical role in the interaction of social determinants of non-communicable diseases in Nepal': a systems perspective

“…Tobacco and alcohol products have non-lethal addictive properties leading to the addiction of such products [29,30]. Studies have shown association among peer pressure, self-interest, stress, availability, administrative actions and use of tobacco and alcohol across different contexts in Nepal, India and South Africa [31][32][33][34][35][36][37].…”